Eagles release DE Jason Babin

Eagles release DE Jason Babin

By Josh Katzowitz | Blogger

November 27, 2012 3:09 pm ET

Babin only had 5.5 sacks this season. (US Presswire)

With Philadelphia's season in the middle of a disaster and with the club set to mark the end of the Andy Reid era, the Eagles announced Tuesday afternoon that they have released defensive end Jason Babin, one of the NFL's best defensive players from a year ago.
In 2011, Babin, in his first year with the Eagles and their new Wide 9 defense, recorded 18 sacks, the third-best total in the league. The year before in Tennessee, he notched 12 ½.
And sure, he hasn't been nearly as good this season, marking 5 ½ sacks and two forced fumbles in 11 games. But to release the guy who signed a five-year, $27.7 million contract before the 2011 season? That just feels I don't know kind of crazy.
And unfortunately for Babin, this time the news that he's out in Philadelphia is absolutely real.
We appreciate everything that Jason has given this team over the last couple of years, Reid said in a statement. We wish him all the best as he continues his career. By releasing him today, this gives us an opportunity to give more playing time to some of younger guys in the defensive line rotation.
And at the same time, it allows a team that's pushing for a playoff spot who might need some help rushing the passer a chance to sign at a discount a defensive end who still could be top-notch.